Name: Carleton Varney

Company: Dorothy Draper & Co., Inc.

Position Within Company: President

Website: www.dorothydraper.com

Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc)

53 years of design at Dorothy Draper & Co., Inc., the oldest established decorating firm in America.

How would you describe your personal design style?

Glamour, tradition with color statements – happy colors. Combining the elegance and charm of yesterday with the conveniences of tomorrow.

Where does your design inspiration come from?

From worldwide travel – in ancient cities combined with current metropolis design.

In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?

Forward with tradition as well as contemporary comfort and style.

 Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2016 and beyond.

1. Stylish

2. Colorful

3. Comfortable

4. Durable

5. Useful, Functional

If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design, what would it be?

Let your mind be free

 How important are The International Hotel and Property Awards as recognition of talent and achievement?

The world is now smaller and smaller, exposure to great design should be universal.

What projects are you currently working on?

Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island, Michigan

The Greenbrier Resort, White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia

The Colony Hotel, Palm Beach, Florida

Residential Projects

Frontgate Home Collection

What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?

To remain relevant in an ever changing world.

Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself

Your most treasured possession?

My Children

Your favourite holiday destination?

Shannongrove House, Ireland

Your favourite hotel / restaurant / bar?

Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island, Michigan & The Greenbrier Resort, White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia

Your favourite book / film / song?

Book: Old Man and the Sea – Ernest Hemmingway

Film: Casablanca

Song: Moon River

Your favourite food and drink?:

Broiled Lobster and Chablis

Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?

Looking out at the sea

If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?

An Adventurer